Assisted Living: Assisted living typically offers services such as housing, meals, supportive and activity services, and health care. On average, assisted living can provide about 1.5-2 hours of personal care per day, although some assisted livings may provide more personal care at a higher cost. It’s important to note while although assisted living facilities are regulated by the federal government, they still vary greatly in terms of services provided. Assisted living is often viewed as a bridge between living independently and living in a nursing home. When touring and interviewing assisted livings, it’s important to ask about their experience with residents living with dementia.
Questions to ask about personal care while touring assisted living
Questions to ask about quality of life while touring assisted living
Questions to ask about cost and contracts while touring assisted living
Memory Care (sometimes referred to as “Special Care Units”): Memory care units are designed for people living with dementia. They typically offer services such meals, supportive and activity services, and health care. Most units have 24/7 staffing and often provide about 3 hours of personal care per day, although some units may provide more personal care to those who need it. This means some memory care units may be able to support people as their dementia progresses, while others may not be able to provide more intensive care. It’s important to note these units are not regulated by the federal government, so services can vary greatly. These units may exist within other residential settings, such as in an assisted living, or they may be free-standing. Some memory care units are locked units while others are not.
Nursing homes (also called “skilled nursing facilities”): Nursing homes provide 24 hour a day care and medical treatment. Staff provide personal care, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy when determined necessary. Staff assist with medication management and medical needs, recreation, nutrition, and care planning. Nursing homes are licensed by the state and regulated by the federal government. Some nursing homes have units specifically designed for people living with dementia.
Medicare awards every nursing home a star rating out of five. You can also see the full text of health inspection reports and any complaints filed against the facility. Search for and compare different nursing homes using this tool. While this tool is a helpful jumping-off point, keep in mind that star ratings are not the be-all and end-all of evaluating care. It’s important to tour and interview the prospective facilities. Consider dropping into the facility a few times unannounced, try a meal, and ask residents and their families their thoughts on the facility.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): CCRCs provide different levels of care (such as independent, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care). A resident can move throughout the different levels of care as their health and needs change. If you or a loved one has a dementia diagnosis, it’s important to evaluate the quality of their memory care services as they are not regulated federally. Some CCRCs have a lifetime contract where the monthly rate does not increase as you need more care, while others are fee-for-service – meaning your monthly rate changes based on the level of care needed.